My Oscar Picks

It’s that time of year again!! Best Picture For me there is no question about the winner, and I expect Gravatar to romp home. The special effects were stunning, and the tale of a band of heroic miners bringing prosperity to a land of savages has a powerful environmental message that will resonate with climate…

Douglas: Deregulate Sterilisation Sector Now

ACT MP Sir Roger Douglas has expressed support for David Garrett’s plan for bad parents to undergo voluntary sterilisation. “At first I thought ‘hello, David’s been into the turps again,’” said Douglas. “But then I went away and had a think about it. David’s plan needs some work, but it could just be what the…

Joyce Announces Zero-Alcohol Policy For Legislators

The Government yesterday announced plans for a zero-alcohol policy for legislators. Transport Minister Steven Joyce made the announcement at a press conference yesterday. He said that the Government was committed to safer legislation, and would introducing a bill into parliament in the next fortnight to introduce the zero-alcohol limit. “These new rules will affect everyone…

PM Unveils Plan For International Crime Hub

New Zealand is set to become an international crime hub under plans recently announced by Prime Minister John Key. Mr Key said that early advice indicated making New Zealand a centre for racketeering, money laundering, extortion and murder could create thousands of new jobs. “The plan is in its infancy,” Key said last night. “We…

John’s Diary 2/3/10

It’s been a tough couple of weeks. I should have written sooner, but being ambitious for New Zealand and relaxed at the same time makes it hard to get anything done. Last week was pretty awful. Phil’s resignation caught me by complete surprise. I don’t understand why he resigned over a few bottles of wine. We…

Hanging Out With The Wacky Gang!

Were you there? From the Rodney City Council website: A fundraising function (in association with Muriel Newman’s NZCPR) will be held on Sunday February 28th 2010 at Alan Gibbs’ Farm, north of Auckland.  For those who don’t know The Farm, it is a 1,000 acre sculpture park bordering on the Kaipara Harbour, featuring original works by local…

Mr Power – Please Bring Back Trial By Duel

NZ History Online reports on this day in 1844: William Brewer, a Wellington lawyer, died on 4 March 1844 as a result of wounds received in a duel with another lawyer, H. Ross, on 26 February. The duel was the result of a quarrel that had arisen from a case in the Wellington County Court.…

News Flash – Crackdown On Crime Works!

Police commanders have reported an overnight drop in the number of violent offences being committed. And they are putting the drop down to recent announcements by the Government that it intends to get tough on crime. Prime Minister John Key recently announced plans for tougher sentences against offenders who attack police. And Police Minister Judith…

Next Week On Radio New Zealand National

The Highlights Monday: On Morning Report, Sean and Geoff get down with the cast of Survivor Christchurch, the fantastic new TV3 reality show. And they ask the star of the show about rumours of the on-screen romance between him and teammate Jennifer. And don’t miss the latest instalment of Ten Worst Dates, bought to you…